RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: In order to ensure security on Ashura, the metro bus services will remain suspended between Rawalpindi and Islamabad while at least four federal hospitals in Islamabad have been put on high alert for the provision of preventive medical facilities on Muharram 10.

The metro bus would be suspended on the recommendation of intelligence agencies. The bus service will be suspended on the recommendations of intelligence agencies’ reports, which said the Muharram procession will pass from Bhabara Bazaar to Committee Chowk – on Murree Road – under the elevated section of the metro, which could pose a security threat.

In a rare move, the administration also suspended the metro bus service after Maghrib prayer on Muharram 7 (Sunday) due to processions in the different parts of the garrison city.

According to a Punjab Masstrasint Authority official, the local administration asked the management of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service to stop the bus service on Tuesday evening, as the route of the procession would be sealed a day ahead of Ashura.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said that the Metro Bus Service would be suspended on Ashura, adding that the measures had been taken for security reasons.

“Due to vacations and closure of the twin cities on Ashura, the bus passengers will not be available as well,” he said and added that the bus service will start from Thursday morning as per routine. He said that the police would be deployed on the elevated track to protect the mourners and the sensitive sites.

Medical emergency

On the other hand, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic, Federal General Hospital in Chak Shehzad, and the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (Nims) will remain on high alert to deal with any type of emergency. The decision was taken on the instructions of the PM’s health aide, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed. According to a statement, the health aide directed the hospitals to implement special preventive measures, such as ensuring the availability of all necessary medicines in emergency departments.

The heads of these federal government-run hospitals have been instructed to ensure essential arrangements, such as maintaining vacant beds in a ready state to handle any emergencies. The doctors and the paramedical staff will remain vigilant to provide the best possible medical facilities, the statement said, adding that special emphasis was placed on the readiness and availability of medical teams.

The PM’s aide also stressed the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of blood from various groups to meet any urgent needs. “These proactive steps are being taken to ensure the health and safety of the community during the Ashura observances. The ministry of health is committed to providing the highest level of medical care and support during this important time,” the statement concluded.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2024